Earth observation optical imaging solutions provider Simera Sense has partnered with Vito Remote Sensing, an Earth Observation (EO) data processing and calibration company, to deliver high-quality, standard EO products (Levels 1B, 1C). These products will be validated using similar methodologies developed in the ESA Earthnet Data Assessment Project (EDAP+), for Simera Sense’s range of products.
This initiative aims to reduce the time and complexity associated with data calibration by simplifying the traditional EO processing workflow, bringing new efficiencies to mission operators and data users alike. Further, the collaboration promises to enhance data precision, reliability, and efficiency for EO applications by significantly reducing latency from raw data to analytics-ready data.
Headquartered in Belgium, Simera Sense currently has 20 optical payloads currently in orbit, 40 payloads ready for launch, and 70 more to be produced over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, Vito Remote Sensing has been pivotal in key international projects, including the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) and the Copernicus Land Service. With its advanced in-flight EO calibration and data processing expertise, Vito processes more than 10 terabytes of EO data daily, providing essential climate and environmental insights to over 200 countries.
The fragmented value chain often presents a challenge for EO mission operators. Selecting an optical payload while receiving the necessary support from the payload manufacturer, especially during spacecraft design, Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, Testing (MAIT), and early operations, is critical for mission success. The ability to quickly process and calibrate raw data into high-quality Analysis Ready Data (ARD)is key for gaining actionable insights.
This partnership combines Simera Sense’s high-performance imaging systems and Vito Remote Sensing’s radiometric and geometric calibration expertise, particularly in the SmallSat and CubeSat markets. The collaboration will deliver accessible and reliable end-to-end imaging and processing solutions, empowering customers with faster, more accurate, and actionable insights.
One of the core elements of this partnership is setting new calibration standards for the CubeSat and SmallSat markets. Using industry-leading optical instruments and Vito Remote Sensing’s validated calibration standards, Simera Sense will provide consistent, highly accurate data that meets stringent EO quality benchmarks.
Commenting on the collaboration, Johann du Toit, CEO of Simera Sense, said: “Through our partnership with VITO, we’re setting a new standard for calibration quality in the CubeSat and SmallSat market. By guaranteeing that data from our cameras is calibrated to industry-leading standards, we’re ensuring that our customers can trust and use our imagery directly without needing additional third-party processing.”
This collaboration will streamline data calibration, reducing the time and complexity of traditional EO processing workflows. Through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, mission operators and end-users will gain access to standardised, calibrated imagery, significantly reducing operational burdens. Industries reliant on immediate, accurate data will benefit from faster and more reliable downstream services.
Steven Krekels, Valorisation Director for Environmental Intelligence at Vito, added: “Customers demand Analysis-Ready Data (ARD) they can trust. Combining our calibration expertise with Simera Sense’s high-tech imaging ensures they receive consistent, top-quality data ready for immediate use. This collaboration unlocks a new level of convenience and reliability.”
Add Comment